President and CEO Wesley Mathews to Depart Choose New Jersey in December

Newark, New Jersey — Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, today announced that Wesley Mathews will depart as President and CEO in December to assume a new leadership role outside the organization. Mathews has served as President and CEO since February 2022. 

“Wes Mathews’s exceptional leadership and global experience have been instrumental in positioning New Jersey as a major player on the international investment stage,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “During his tenure, he cultivated and deepened strong international relationships by organizing several successful economic missions, expanding New Jersey’s global network of offices at home and abroad, and fostering meaningful investment that will benefit the Garden State for years to come. His work has strengthened our reputation as a destination for innovation and opportunity. We are deeply grateful for his many contributions and wish him continued success in his next chapter.”

Under his leadership, the organization established four international offices — the New Jersey Ireland Center (2022), the New Jersey Israel Center (2023), the second New Jersey India Center in Bengaluru (2023), and the New Jersey Asia Pacific Center (2024) — as well as the New Jersey West Coast Center (2024), the organization’s first U.S. office outside of the state. Mathews also headed economic missions with Governor Murphy to India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and next month, Mexico, strengthening New Jersey’s international partnerships and fostering foreign investment.

“Wes Mathews has been a proven leader for Choose New Jersey,” said Ralph LaRossa, Chairman of Choose New Jersey and Chair, President, and CEO of PSEG. “Under his leadership, Choose New Jersey has strengthened the state’s global business presence by supporting over 180 company relocations and expansions, resulting in over 14,000 new and retained jobs and an estimated $6.7 billion in economic impact for the state. His vision and dedication elevated our mission and created a lasting impact for businesses and communities across the state.”

Reflecting on his time with the organization, Mathews shared, “Serving as President and CEO of Choose New Jersey has been the most rewarding chapter of my professional journey. It has been an extraordinary privilege to collaborate with a remarkable team committed to advancing New Jersey’s prominence on the global stage. Together, we have unlocked new opportunities, forged international partnerships, and bolstered the state’s global competitiveness. I’m deeply grateful to Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, our Board of Directors, and our partners at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Business Action Center for their unwavering support and collaboration as part of the state’s economic development team. This has truly been a collective effort, and I’m thankful to have played a role in it. With deep appreciation for all we’ve accomplished together, I’m excited to take on my next opportunity.”

Mathews oversaw major advertising campaigns and supported economic development initiatives that have helped shape New Jersey’s vibrant business landscape. During his tenure, he launched the “This is New Jersey” campaign to promote the state as a prime destination for business attraction. With the tagline “You can do anything here,” the advertising initiative showcased New Jersey’s strengths through targeted initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, film, and life sciences. It also highlighted New Jersey as an exceptional place to do business and raise a family, further enhancing the state’s reputation on both national and international stages. Notably, the campaign generated over 11.3 billion impressions, underscoring its broad reach and significant impact.

Beyond his role at Choose New Jersey, Mathews serves as Chair of the New Jersey-India Commission, strengthening economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. He is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York/New Jersey Host Committee, where he continues to advance efforts to ensure the region’s success as a host destination. 

Choose New Jersey’s Board of Directors will initiate a search for the organization’s next President and CEO. Jennifer Lenhardt, Chief Administrative Officer, will serve as interim President and CEO during the transition. 

About Choose New Jersey

Choose New Jersey is the state’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. We harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. We work globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the state, and convening power, in collaboration with state government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. Learn more at choosenj.com.